Multi-word insertions in code-mixed utterances: Italian-German code mixing in South Tyrol

Ciccolone, Simone

First

2021-01-01

---

Abstract

The present study proposes a corpus-based analysis of the distribution of insertional code mixing (cf. Muysken 2000) occurring in a corpus of bilingual speech collected in South Tyrol. The analysis uses two surface parameters (directionality and extension), not restrained to a specific theoretical model, to classify the switches. The aim of this study is to observe recurring patterns and functions in the combined use of codes within the utterance, in particular by comparing the functions and distribution of single-word switches with those of multi-word insertions (e.g. phrases, word combinations and idioms). The discussion shows the emergence of two macro-functional patterns consistently attested in both types of switches.